Be wowed by weekly screenings of top-quality art house, international, classic, cult, documentary films and more the way nature intended: on the big screen.

An integral part of the city’s cultural art beat, Canterbury Film Society is an almost-300 strong, diverse group of film lovers with whom you can watch this season’s 42-film programme and weekly pre-film talks. Arrive early to meet old friends, or make new ones through Meetup or post-film coffee and chats.

This season is ambitious - including modern gothic faves (Zombi Child, Border), ‘screen queen’ performances (Tokyo Story, Bombshell), South American gems (Birds of Passage, The Clan) and two post-Soviet dramas (In the Fog, Leviathan).

In July, Matariki brings a sure-to-satisfy Aotearoa Film Festival as a ‘winter warmer’. The festival is open to the public for free or koha, as is Tokyo Story on August 16.

Full membership provides access to all screenings (less than $4 per film). A perfect way to try this out is the Flexi-Pass – three films of your choice for $30, which may be shared among friends and has no expiry date.

Go online to register for regular updates or to join. Full programmes are available at the Christchurch Art Gallery, city libraries and select cafés.

canterburyfilmsociety.org.nz